Judge Rules For 49ers In Dispute Over $30M In Stadium Funds

An aerial view of the construction of the new San Francisco 49ers stadium in Santa Clara, February 5, 2013. (CBS)

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) – A judge in Sacramento has tentatively ruled that the San Francisco 49ers are entitled to $30 million in tax funds that Santa Clara voters approved earmarking for the team’s new stadium.

Superior Court Judge Allen Sumner ruled Wednesday that California finance officials and Santa Clara County education and elected leaders improperly tried to divert the redevelopment money for public schools and other local projects.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the 49ers. The team did not respond to a request for comment because the Sumner’s decision could still be appealed.

The judge said the team might have to wait until l 2016 to see the money, though.

The withheld funds aren’t expected to slow construction of the $1.2 billion stadium.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)